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Birkenhed were formed all be it very loosely in the summer of 2001 by John Brindle (lead guitar), Symon Brownlie(rhythm guitar/vocals) and Neil Houghton (lead vocals, frontman and all round superstar).
It began with the three of them playing covers and writing songs just for fun. At this stage they were an acoustic outfit, rehearsing in John's front room two or three times a week. After a short time it was obvious that they had something a bit special, with John's unique guitar style and Symon and Neil's vocal harmonies. They soon realised that it would be a wasted opportunity if they didn't complete the outfit (i.e. by including drums and bass) and start gigging their new material. The search for a bass player was brief, about half an hour to be exact, as he was right under their noses...
Enter Mr Davy Gallagher, a barman in the band's local drinking establishment and unknown to John, Symon and Neil, a pianist of many years turned guitarist. On hearing about the band’s requirements for a bass player, Davy offered to help out and give the bass a try. Six years later he is still "helping out" and is now a very competent bass and guitar player (but no longer a barman).
Next came the search for a drummer, easy to find you may think, as after all drumming is basically hitting something, all be it in time, with two wooden sticks. How difficult can that be! Well, three drummers and several years later Birkenhed found out... "Bloody difficult!" The first three drummers came and went due to the usual musical differences, lack of commitment or just not having the ability to communicate with the rest of the human race, (remember we are talking about drummers here). Eventually, it all fell into place when Birkenhed were playing a small pub gig one night and a number of the band's loyal fans turned up (god love 'em). Again, unbeknown to the band, one of these loyal fans, Jay Harrison, was a drummer who, at the end of the night, and with a considerably higher alcohol level than when he entered the pub, asked if he could play a number with the band. They agreed (although their drummer at the time wasn't over keen). They played The Arctic Monkeys modern classic "Bet You Look Good On The Dance Floor", a number that had been dropped from the set (to the crowds displeasure), and one that the bands currant drummer struggled with. By the end of the song, Birkenhed knew they had found the missing piece of the jigsaw. A few days later Jay went to a rehearsal, played the set and was gigging with the band a few days after that. Birkenhed was, at last, complete.
Birkenhed's sound has been described as anthemic indie rock with strong vocal harmonies and sonic overtones. This unique sound is enjoyed by not just their die-hard fans but by all that have been lucky enough to have seen them perform.
Birkenhed have recently been in the studio for the fith time emerging with their new EP live here on myspace right now. The new EP entitled CHAMPAGNE CHARLIE will be available soon!
WE ARE NOW LOOKING FOR A BASS PLAYER. IF ANYONE OUT THERE IS INTERESTED PLEASE EMAIL JAY AT [email protected]!!!
Birkenhed wear Denim Is Everything clothing. Click the image for their Online Store
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